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The
COLT Hockey team is composed of a
group of self-motivated, passionate individuals who want to make a difference
within the hockey community. As young hockey players, nothing was more
depressing than finally getting your hands on a brand new stick only to have it
shatter unexpectedly on your best shot of the season. Now, older and still in
love with the game, we decided that our Nation’s sport deserved a higher
standard of equipment. In pursuing that dream, we came across PowerMetal and
saw an opportunity to turn our pursuit into reality.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @colthockey, and 'Like' our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/colthockey to stay up to date with news and progress updates throughout the campaign!

Our Partners In Technology

Our
partner, PowerMetal Technologies, is a company with expertise in delivering top
quality sporting goods with an emphasis on increased durability and weight
savings. After successfully executing projects with industry leading sporting
goods companies, PowerMetal has deemed the COLT hockey stick project to be a
natural next step in their mission to provide superior equipment to the global
sporting community. As such, they agreed to partner with us for this project to
engineer a hockey stick that delivers the performance and durability demanded
by hockey enthusiasts around the world.

Through
their technology licensor, Integran Technologies Inc., a leading metallurgical
nano-technology company located right here in the Greater Toronto Area, PowerMetal
has worked closely with us in developing the COLT! Integran`s patented nano-technology was initially
invented at Queen’s University, and through collaborations with the University
of Toronto and other international organizations, has been further advanced for
use in a wide range of applications, from nuclear power plants to aerospace
components.

Collectively, Integran and PowerMetal have worked with some of the worlds’ most recognizable companies, each of which is utilizing their trusted technology to engineer innovative advances in their respective markets.

Notable organizations that have utilized the same PowerMetal material found on the COLT!

The PowerMetal Technology

The
PowerMetal material strength is derived from its metal atom arrangement. For
instance, in normal metals, the atoms form crystals or grains that are about 20
microns in size; in PowerMetal, those grains are 1,000 times smaller (i.e., 20
nanometres in size) – translating into a dramatic increase in strength.

In
a recent project, PowerMetal worked with Cervélo to make an ultra-lightweight
yet durable composite bike fork. The
problem with composite bike forks is that they get damaged in small crashes but
do not instantly fail. Cracks grow slowly and then suddenly break without
warning – usually at the worst possible time. This phenomenon is exactly what
we have been observing in carbon composite hockey sticks for the last decade!

To put things in perspective, when a thin layer of PowerMetal was applied to a Ping-Pong ball, it was strong enough to withstand 200lbs –a feat that certainly caught our attention.

Performance:

Ultimately,
the application of PowerMetal with a composite substrate engineered to reduce weight
and optimize weight distribution will make the COLT the world’s first hockey
stick that performs at a high level while withstanding the high impact nature
of the sport.

With
the PowerMetal application, the COLT will be substantially more durable than a
high-level composite, specifically allowing it to endure slashes, hits, and
high impact shots without compromising performance. This, of course, means that
the COLT is less susceptible to the natural wear and tear that diminishes a
stick’s performance over time; thus preserving the high quality observed from a
new stick, longer.

In
addition, the PowerMetal does not hinder the COLT’s ability to flex – thereby
maintaining the performance quality that elite hockey players around the world
have grown accustomed to.

The COLT shaft (pictured below), engineered with PowerMetal, easily mimics the flexibility of an elite all-composite shaft (pictured above), when tested, without any risk of premature failure.

The
engineering of the COLT has allowed for a product that provides performance
matching of current elite hockey stick offerings, while providing enhanced
longevity, durability, and a significantly reduced risk of unexpected,
catastrophic failures, and we can prove it!

The COLT was put through thorough testing and the results speak for themselves. Below is analysis provided by our engineering partners at Integran/PowerMetal that show a direct comparison between the COLT and typical composite offerings after experiencing an impact equivalent to a typical hockey slash.

COLT Analysis:

If you were to apply a load of about 400 lbs. to the midpoint of a 2ft (i.e., 50cm) section of a hockey stick shaft, the shaft would deflect about 2/3”-3/4” from its original position, and fail! If a conventional shaft is first impacted (e.g., slashed), failure will likely occur at a lower load and a reduced bend deflection. The load to failure and bend deflection will continue to decrease with repeated slashes.

The graph below shows the measured load-deflection behavior of a conventional shaft and that of the Colt after each has undergone a single simulated “slash” by each being pre-impacted with a 5 lb. steel load, dropped from 2 feet above the shaft (approx. 15 Joules of impact energy).

The impacted conventional shaft now fails at a load of only 264 lbs. and at a deflection of only about ½ inch.

After impact, the Colt shaft, of comparable weight to that of the conventional shaft, still withstands about 400 lbs. of bending load and a >2/3” deflection - consistent with that of an un-impacted conventional composite stick.

Our Product Offerings:

Due to manufacturing and production constraints, we will only be capable of offering the COLT in restricted SKUs, initially. The COLT Hockey sticks that have currently been produced demonstrate the most popular shaft-flex and blade curves presently found on the market. These SKUs are exclusively the 85-90 flex range, and the two most popular blade curves (specifically curves with the following general dimensions: i. mid-curve, round toe, 5.5 lie; ii. mid heel-curve, round toe, 5 lie.). These two curves are the most prominent within the market, and focus group analysis has been consistent with these findings.

The original COLT offering will have a black colour-way and will highlight the metallic composition unique to the COLT. The final shaft design is currently in development.

With your donations, and the eventual ramp-up of manufacturing and production output, we will be able to offer stick configurations appealing to each and every player’s personal preferences.

Where we are in prototyping:

The sticks work, and the general reception from
our test groups has been 'through the roof' - positive. We’re now
seeking to fully optimize the design for combined weight reduction and impact
resistance. This involves optimizing the
pre-preg composite lay-up relative to the thickness of PowerMetal and the
intermediate bonding layer. This will
allow us to deliver the COLT with absolute confidence in its quality. With
these challenges nearly solved, our focus will be on designing an aesthetically
pleasing hockey stick that looks as good as it feels!

Why Kickstarter:

We
have the technological infrastructure in place to create these sticks. Your
donations will allow us to fully integrate the technology with the product and
ensure its manufacturability. An important
part of the production process will be meeting the minimum order requirements
for composites from our suppliers. Without your contribution we would not be
able to procure the materials at a cost that will allow us to produce and
distribute the COLT at a fair price.

With
the funds received, we will also be able to create a stick that looks as good
as it performs by refining the COLT’s design and creating an aesthetically
pleasing product that is suitable for the worlds’ most dedicated athletes.

The success of this Kickstarter project will also be imperative in our ability to offer additional specifications, such as more curves and flexes, to better cater to the diverse hockey community.

Most
importantly, through your sponsorship, we will be able to finalize the product
development and keep production in Canada - the birthplace of our great sport.

It
is the COLT Hockey team’s objective to ship the COLT sticks by Christmas. We
are dedicated to work around the clock to deliver this elite product in time
for the holidays.

Risks and challenges

Schedule Risk: The biggest risk in this project is the schedule. We are confident we will be able to complete the project and deliver on the sticks but if any major issues come up, it may cause delays in the project. Our partners are experienced in project management and will have contingency plans to keep to schedule as much as possible. We’ve already made several prototypes so we know we can do it and PowerMetal has experience in getting products to production.

Supply Risk: We will need to procure composites to our specifications so there is some risk in the quality and timing of products from our suppliers. We will be looking at multiple suppliers in the development and will only make pilot production orders from the best organizations. Our local partners at Integran are an accredited AS9100 (aerospace) and ISO9001 organization and their quality management system will be used in this program.

Performance: We are confident in the technology and our partners in this program but cannot guarantee that the pilot production sticks will reach our ultimate goal in durability vs. weight. Our goal will be to deliver a 460g stick with superior durability compared to any composite stick out there. Not meeting our goal may mean that the initial sticks may be slightly heavier but we intend to deliver on the durability promise.

Regulatory Risk: We will be providing you with a new stick and technology and we cannot guarantee that a referee will not disallow something that is unknown to them. However, our product will conform to regular hockey sticks standards in shape, size and weight. Our sticks have not been disallowed in initial product rink testing.

Safety: As with all carbon fibre sticks, when they break, the edges may be sharp and potentially a cut hazard. Please discontinue use of the product if this occurs and be careful with any metal edges. Remember, the Colt will still have to break.

Financial Risk: Our partner PowerMetal Technologies has been in business for 8 years and their parent company Integran for 14+ years. They have the expertise to bring this product to market and the funds from this Kickstarter project will provide us with the confidence of market demand and allow us to go after the goal whole-heartedly.

The COLT's engineering prolongs the feel of a new stick.
Regardless of how long a composite stick has lasted without failing catastrophically it is widely observed that after several games a brand new composite begins to become "spongey" and less reactive. So while it may last, it does not perform as well as it once did. The COLT is engineered to protect the new feel.

Additionally, the construction of typical composite sticks leave them susceptible to sustaining "hairline fractures" with every hack and slash they encounter. In other words, every time your composite stick gets hit it sustains a very small crack, which is what leads to the stick exploding when you take your best shot of the season. The COLT does not sustain this type of damage and thereby keeps you safe from untimely failures.

Furthermore, for those playing a sufficiently competitive level of hockey, the COLT is the first stick engineered to endure the rough nature of the game, thereby decreasing the amount of sticks a player must purchase each year. By purchasing a COLT it is our hope that your yearly expenditure on hockey equipment is reduced considerably.

Currently we are offering senior sized sticks (60" in length, from the heel of the blade).
We are most certainly looking to expand our product offering to incorporate intermediate and junior sized sticks as well, however this will likely only become possible after our KickStarter campaign finishes.

Although we would love to offer every size through our KickStarter, meeting the minimum order quantities from our supplier is understandably difficult at our stage in production.

By making a pledge and providing your email after the conclusion of our KickStarter campaign you will be entered into the COLT Club, where you will receive updates, news releases, and information regarding upcoming product launches and campaigns before they're released to the public! Additionally, COLT Club members will always be made aware of special promotions and discounts in advance of the general public!

As a stick owner, you will be able to register your stick online through the COLT Club, track its performance, and provide feedback!

The application of the COLT's nano-material has been engineered to protect the "hack zone" of the hockey stick (encapsulating the blade as well as 18-24 inches up from the heel of the stick).

This means that the area in which you would cut to adjust for height (the top end of the stick) consists of the normal composite material. In this way, shortening the COLT is just as simple and safe as shortening a regular composite sick!

The COLT will not require special disposal considerations. We also will strive to supply the most environmentally sustainable and "eco-friendly" product possible. The metallic component of the COLT is fully recyclable using existing technology. For the epoxy-based carbon-fiber components, we have yet to identify suitable recycling protocols; however, we are interacting with leading industry experts in the aerospace and defense sectors to remain abreast of developments in this area.

Rewards

You selected

Pledge $10 or more

20 backers

Most Valuable Player Reward!
Become a member of the COLT Club and be the first to know about new products, special promotions and more. You'll also get your name mentioned on our website recognizing your valued donation.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2013

You selected

Pledge $30 or more

19 backers

Play With Our Balls! Receive a PowerMetal Ping-Pong ball, engineered with the same material applied to the COLT. These Ping-Pong balls are deceivingly strong and remarkably light - just like the COLT! You'll also become a member of the COLT Club.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $35 or more

27 backers

Top Shelf!
Receive a #CRACKTHECOLT t-shirt! Perfect for those dryland training sessions! You'll also become a COLT Club member.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $75 or more

20 backers

Donning the Sweater!
Receive a COLT branded sweatshirt for those brisk walks to the rink! Also, you'll become a COLT Club Member.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $150 or more

100 backers
All gone!

The Dangler!
Dangle your way to receiving a COLT hockey stick at half the future retail price! Limited quantity available! You will also become a COLT Club Member with your donation.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

100 backers
All gone!

The Sniper!
Score a COLT hockey stick at huge savings off the future retail price! Limited quantity available so act fast! You will also become a COLT Club Member.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

100 backers
All gone!

Due to the overwhelming support we feel another pledge level at $200 is well deserved! Pledge $200 to receive a COLT hockey stick! Limited quantity available so act fast! You will also become a COLT Club Member.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

13 backers
Limited (17 left of 30)

LAST CHANCE! We want everyone to have the chance to get a COLT at this discounted price so we're opening ANOTHER pledge level at $200! Pledge $200 to receive a COLT hockey stick! Limited quantity available so act fast! You will also become a COLT Club Member.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $265 or more

4 backers

The Toe-Drag Special!
You may have missed the early-bird prices but you'll still get a COLT hockey stick for less than the future retail price! You'll also become a COLT Club Member.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $370 or more

30 backers
Limited (70 left of 100)

The Custom COLT!
Receive a COLT, choose its colour and we'll even put your name and number on it! Who says you have to be a pro to get an endorsement deal?

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

15 backers
All gone!

First Rounders!
Receive one of the first fifteen sticks produced! A special marking will make them exclusive and you'll receive your stick in advance of everyone else.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $750 or more

1 backer
Limited (19 left of 20)

COLT Camp with a Cup Champ!
Not only do you get a COLT, you'll also have the chance to try it out at a shoot around with Stanley Cup winner GARY ROBERTS! Come out, meet our team and play with an NHL Legend! This event will be held in the Greater Toronto Area. The date of the event will be determined upon completion of the campaign.

Estimated delivery:Apr 2014

You selected

Pledge $8,000

1 backer
All gone!

The Team Edge! Bring your team out (up to 15 players) for a once in a lifetime experience with an NHL great, Gary Roberts! Each player will receive a COLT Hockey Stick and participate in a training session with the cup champ! This event will be held in the Greater Toronto Area. The date of the event will be determined upon completion of the campaign.